Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Removal of Erroneous Penicillin Allergy Labels: Implementation Study (REPeAL)

This study, called REPeAL, is looking at how hospitals can best help patients who might have a penicillin allergy on their medical record, but aren't truly allergic. Often, a listed penicillin allergy means doctors can't use the best medicines, leading to less effective treatments, longer hospital stays, or more side effects. The study will test new ways to safely check and remove these 'incorrect' allergy labels in adults over 16, across different hospital departments like surgery, general medicine, and critical care. They want to see how this process works in practice, how many patients agree to have their allergy checked, and what patients and healthcare staff think about it, making sure it's safe and effective for everyone.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust

Enrolment target

Start

18 Jun 2024

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2025

Penicillin Allergy

What is this study about?

Many people have a penicillin allergy listed in their medical notes, but a large number of these allergies aren't real. This can be because they had a mild side effect as a child, or simply misunderstood a reaction. When a patient has a penicillin allergy on their record, doctors often can't prescribe penicillin-based antibiotics, even though these are often the best and safest option for many infections.

This study, called REPeAL (Removal of Erroneous Penicillin Allergy Labels), aims to find the best way for hospitals to safely check if a patient's penicillin allergy is real or not. By carefully reviewing patient histories and sometimes doing tests, doctors can 'de-label' patients who aren't truly allergic. This means an incorrect allergy will be removed from their medical record, allowing them to receive the most effective penicillin-based treatments when needed.

The researchers will be trying out a new system in different parts of a UK hospital. They want to see how well it works for patients in surgical wards, general medical wards, and intensive care. The study will also gather feedback from patients and healthcare staff to understand their experiences and make the process as helpful and easy as possible.

Key takeaways

Many penicillin allergies listed in patient records may not be real.
Incorrect allergy labels can stop doctors from using the best treatments.
This study aims to find safe ways to check and remove these labels.
It could mean better, more effective antibiotic treatments for you in the future.
Participation is voluntary and your care will not be affected if you say no.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults who are currently in hospital. To be considered, you must be aged 18 or older.

You also need to have a penicillin allergy listed in your medical records that is preventing doctors from giving you first-choice antibiotics. This means that if you need antibiotics, the staff can't use penicillin-based ones because of your listed allergy.

There are no reasons that would automatically stop you from taking part if you meet the above criteria. If you're unsure, the hospital staff caring for you can help clarify if you might be suitable.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you currently an inpatient in a UK hospital?
Do your medical records show a penicillin allergy?
Is this penicillin allergy stopping doctors from giving you first-choice antibiotics?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you are eligible and choose to take part, the medical team looking after you, alongside a specialist 'antimicrobial stewardship' team, will review your penicillin allergy record. They will use a special checklist and their medical knowledge to decide if your allergy is likely to be incorrect.

If they think it's safe, they will discuss with you the option of removing the penicillin allergy from your record. You can agree to this or decline. There are no extra hospital visits or special medicines involved for the study itself; it's mostly about reviewing your medical history and discussing it with you while you are already in hospital. The study will also involve researchers talking to a small number of patients and staff to understand their experiences.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of taking part is that if your penicillin allergy label is found to be incorrect and removed, future treatments for infections could be more effective, potentially leading to a quicker recovery or fewer side effects from alternative antibiotics. The process is designed to be very safe, as trained medical staff will carefully assess your case before any changes are made. However, there's always a very small theoretical risk that an allergy might be removed incorrectly, though this is minimised by thorough checks. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Royal Cornwall Hospital
Verified postcode
Truro, United Kingdom

Common questions

What happens if I don't want my allergy checked?

You don't have to take part if you don't want to. Your medical care will not be affected in any way.

Is it safe to remove an allergy from my record?

Yes, it is done very carefully. Specialist medical teams will review your history thoroughly to ensure it's safe before any allergy is removed.

What if I truly am allergic to penicillin?

If the review finds you are genuinely allergic, your allergy will remain on your record, and you won't be given penicillin.

Who will know I am in the study?

Only the hospital staff involved in your care and the study team will be aware of your involvement. All your information will be kept private.

Will taking part cost me anything?

No, there are no costs involved for you to participate in this study.

How to find out more

Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.